Run commands are powerful shortcuts that help you open Windows tools, settings, and system features instantly using the keyboard. These commands work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and save time by avoiding long navigation through menus. Press Windows + R, type the command, then press Enter.
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changepk → Opens Windows Activation / Change Product Key
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control → Opens Control Panel
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settings → Opens Windows Settings
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explorer → Opens File Explorer
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calc → Opens Calculator
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ms-settings:display → Opens Display settings
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ms-settings:system → Opens System settings directly
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ms-settings:about → Opens About your PC
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appwiz.cpl → Opens Programs and Features (Uninstall apps)
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sysdm.cpl → Opens System Properties
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powercfg.cpl → Opens Power Options
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inetcpl.cpl → Opens Internet Options
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taskmgr → Opens Task Manager
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msconfig → Opens System Configuration
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services.msc → Opens Services Manager
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cleanmgr → Opens Disk Cleanup
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dfrgui → Opens Optimize Drives (Defragment tool)
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eventvwr → Opens Event Viewer
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perfmon → Opens Performance Monitor
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resmon → Opens Resource Monitor
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netplwiz → Opens User Accounts (Advanced)
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firewall.cpl → Opens Windows Defender Firewall (classic view)
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diskmgmt.msc → Opens Disk Management
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%temp% → Opens Temporary files folder
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recent → Opens Recently accessed files
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devmgmt.msc → Opens Device Manager
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mmsys.cpl → Opens Sound settings (classic)
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main.cpl → Opens Mouse settings
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desk.cpl → Opens Display settings (legacy, redirects to Settings in Windows 11)
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gpedit.msc → Opens Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro only)
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regedit → Opens Registry Editor
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rstrui → Opens System Restore
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sdclt → Opens Backup and Restore (Windows 7 tool)
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ncpa.cpl → Opens Network Connections
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ipconfig → Shows IP configuration (must be used inside CMD)
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mdsched → Opens Windows Memory Diagnostic
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winsat → Runs System performance assessment (CMD, Admin recommended)
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dxdiag → Opens DirectX Diagnostic Tool
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fsmgmt.msc → Opens Shared Folders
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shell:downloads → Opens Downloads folder directly
Final note:
Some commands open classic (legacy) tools, while others redirect to modern Windows 11 Settings, which is normal behavior. All listed commands are safe and commonly used by advanced Windows users.
